Atletico’s Soldado move could trigger Costa transfer war

Spanish international Roberto Soldado is Tottenham’s joint-top scorer this season with 10 in all competitions. However, five of those were in the Europa League, and out of his five Premier League goals, four were penalties.

Spurs are currently preparing for their second leg home tie with Dnipro, as they look to overturn a 1-0 deficit. Back them at evens to qualify for the last 16.

The possible transfer of former Valencia man Soldado could pave the way for Atletico Madrid to let go of their in-demand star Diego Costa. The Brazil-born Spanish striker has been in fine form this season, netting 27 times, and has attracted the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal, Manchester United and Spurs.

Costa, 25, has a reported £31.25m release clause, and Atleti know they will not be able to hold on to their player, who has been at the club since he started his second spell in 2010, for much longer.

Spanish reports suggest that Spurs will be looking for every possible avenue to include Costa in the potential Soldado move, as the north London side have severely lacked goals this term.

Tim Sherwood’s side have scored just 36 times in 27 Premier League games – behind the likes of Everton, Southampton and even struggling Man Utd – so, club chairman Daniel Levy will be sure to have a striker on his mind come the summer.

Soldado was Spurs’ most expensive transfer at the time, and cost a hefty £26m as the club looked to push on for a Champions League place. They currently lie in fifth place and six points behind Liverpool in fourth spot. You can back them at 7/2 for a top-four finish, while the Reds are heavily odds-on at 1/6.

It therefore looks more likely that Arsenal (odds of 15/2 to win the Premier League title) or Chelsea (11/8) would be the preferred destination for Costa. Spurs or Manchester United would be seen as a step down from his current club who are chasing the Spanish league title – they are currently three points behind leaders Real Madrid.